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Google ChromeOS Flex Is Now Ready to Run Your Old PCs and Macs
Google ChromeOS Flex Is Now Ready to Run Your Old PCs and Macs
ChromeOS Flex is an operating system that can be installed onto your old PCs and Macs that will in essence turn them into a Chromebook. Google announced an early version of the OS for testing in February but a stable version is now available to download for free.
Google showed off some of the impressive results of its early access program in a post on Google's blog. For starters, Google has certified 295 devices that will work with ChromeOS Flex. It will continue to test different devices and update the list of certified devices, so be sure to keep an eye open if your device isn't already certified. However, even if a device isn't certified, it will likely still work with your computer.
Google also reported that its early access testing program allowed the ChromeOS Flex team to catch over 600 bugs, so things should be running smoothly when you go to try out ChromeOS Flex.
Anyone who wants to test ChromeOS Flex can again download it for free. It can be run directly from a thumb drive, too, so there's no need to install it on a computer to try it out. If you decide you want to install the OS, you can do it straight from the USB drive. Installing it will also improve the performance of the operating system.
Google's blog post also showcased other ChromeOS Flex features. In particular, it highlighted sustainability, with ChromeOS Flex using 19% less power than other devices and that repurposing old laptops that would otherwise be discarded will contribute to combating the 40 million tons of e-waste produced each year.
Additionally, the ChromeOS Flex team shared a story about how the operating system helped a real small business in need. When Nordic Choice Hotels was hit by a ransomware attack, it was able to install ChromeOS Flex across its devices to get back online.
Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
In terms of cost, nothing beats a Chromebook, which is all you'll need if you're a student who requires a computer for the basics or someone who just wants something to browse the internet on after work. These laptops run on Google's Chrome OS and are renowned for their portability, long battery life and affordability. While it may be tempting to splurge on a high-end Apple or Windows laptop, a Chromebook is probably all you need to get the job done.
Plenty of manufacturers make Chromebooks, including Acer, HP, Samsung and Lenovo. There are basic models that are fine for email, online shopping and streaming movies and music typically priced at $400 or less. Premium models start around $500 and get you more RAM and storage, faster processors, higher-quality displays and better build quality. You'll also find features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USI pen support for notes or drawing.
Read more: The 7 Best Chromebook Deals for Students
The Chromebooks on this list were tested and reviewed by CNET's editors. While there should be a model here to meet your needs, if there's a specific must-have spec such as an Intel Core processor, an HDMI port or SD card slot or a particular screen size, you might want to dig deeper into a specific Chromebook on this list. Also, if you're considering an older or used model, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years, but the date is not the same for every model
And if you're still not sure if this type of laptop is right for you, here's a breakdown of all that a Chromebook can and can't do compared with a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated periodically.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. This Lenovo Chromebook's small size might be a little limiting as a primary Chrome OS device, though you can connect to an external display via its USB-C port. The Lenovo Duet is, however, a good pick if you're looking for an affordable Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device that can be used in tablet mode. Its small size might be an issue, depending on what you're looking for, but the portability and the efficient Chrome OS make it worth considering. I wouldn't necessarily call it the best Chromebook on the market, but for the cost and convenience, it's not one to count out too quickly. An updated version, the Duet 3 Chromebook, came out in May. It features an 11-inch 2K-resolution touchscreen, faster Qualcomm processors, an improved keyboard (still included) and, unfortunately, a higher starting price of $400.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
This Lenovo 13-inch Chromebook two-in-one is a better bet than the Duet if you need a laptop for all-day use. It has a full HD display as well as excellent performance and battery life for the money, thanks to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, 4GB RAM and a 64GB solid-state drive. The Lenovo Flex is not a great Chromebook choice for outdoor use, since the display is pretty dim.
If you're looking for even better performance, this Chrome OS Tablet was updated with Intel's 11th-gen Core i3 processor but still has great battery life at nearly 11 hours. Now called the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, it costs a bit more starting at $475. Lenovo also added a privacy shutter on the webcam so you can physically block it when it's not in use. It is definitely one of the best Chromebook models for the price, power and size.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
If you'd rather have a wider screen instead of a taller one like the Spin 713's (below), this HP Chromebook is the way to go. It's roughly 0.75 inch wider than a premium 13.3-inch model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two side-by-side windows. The two-in-one design means you can use the HP Chromebook x360 as a tablet (though it's a bit heavy to use as a handheld device). You can also tent it, connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
The Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory in the model we tested kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. The Chrome OS will handle typical usage seamlessly. And this Chromebook laptop has a long battery life, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET's testing. This is a higher-end configuration, though, and its regular price is $699. This laptop regularly goes on sale for less than $500, but if you like the design and don't need its more powerful components, the Pentium Silver version is a bargain at closer to $300.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Acer's Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It's a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you're working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent -- perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor.
Juan Garzon/CNET
Just as Google's Pixel phones offer the best pure Android experience, the Google Pixelbook Go is built to deliver the best of Chrome OS. The premium Chromebook starts at $839, but fully loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage and a 4K display, the total reaches a pricey $2,299. That's a lot, and more than most people need. Still, the Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent little Chromebook, especially for those who really want to explore all that Chrome can do, including Linux and Android app selections.
Read our Pixelbook Go review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
There are plenty of convertible Chromebook two-in-ones, where the screen rotates around to the back of the keyboard so you can use it as a tablet. But Chrome tablets with removable keyboards are still a rarity. That certainly helps the Chromebook x2 11 stand out, but it also deserves attention for its premium design and features. It offers long battery life and performance that rises (slightly) above the competition. The main downside is that it's expensive on its own. But in the year it's been available, both HP and Best Buy have offered significant discounts, so if you're interested make sure to wait for one of those deals.
Read our HP Chromebook x2 11 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
The 317 is essentially a portable all-in-one Chrome OS desktop, otherwise known as a Chromebase. The big display makes multitasking a breeze. You can stream a YouTube video in the corner while you work on a presentation and keep an eye on email or chat -- all without overlapping windows. It is big and heavy compared with all the smaller Chromebooks here, so it's not a great option if mobility is a priority. But it's certainly small enough to move around the house, and with more than 10 hours of battery life according to my tests, you can work all day and still have time left for a video chat with family, gaming or streaming a movie.
Read the Acer Chromebook 317 review.
How we test computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
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Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
In terms of cost, nothing beats a Chromebook, which is all you'll need if you're a student who requires a computer for the basics or someone who just wants something to browse the internet on after work. These laptops run on Google's Chrome OS and are renowned for their portability, long battery life and affordability. While it may be tempting to splurge on a high-end Apple or Windows laptop, a Chromebook is probably all you need to get the job done.
Plenty of manufacturers make Chromebooks, including Acer, HP, Samsung and Lenovo. There are basic models that are fine for email, online shopping and streaming movies and music typically priced at $400 or less. Premium models start around $500 and get you more RAM and storage, faster processors, higher-quality displays and better build quality. You'll also find features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USI pen support for notes or drawing.
Read more: The 7 Best Chromebook Deals for Students
The Chromebooks on this list were tested and reviewed by CNET's editors. While there should be a model here to meet your needs, if there's a specific must-have spec such as an Intel Core processor, an HDMI port or SD card slot or a particular screen size, you might want to dig deeper into a specific Chromebook on this list. Also, if you're considering an older or used model, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years, but the date is not the same for every model
And if you're still not sure if this type of laptop is right for you, here's a breakdown of all that a Chromebook can and can't do compared with a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated periodically.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. This Lenovo Chromebook's small size might be a little limiting as a primary Chrome OS device, though you can connect to an external display via its USB-C port. The Lenovo Duet is, however, a good pick if you're looking for an affordable Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device that can be used in tablet mode. Its small size might be an issue, depending on what you're looking for, but the portability and the efficient Chrome OS make it worth considering. I wouldn't necessarily call it the best Chromebook on the market, but for the cost and convenience, it's not one to count out too quickly. An updated version, the Duet 3 Chromebook, came out in May. It features an 11-inch 2K-resolution touchscreen, faster Qualcomm processors, an improved keyboard (still included) and, unfortunately, a higher starting price of $400.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
This Lenovo 13-inch Chromebook two-in-one is a better bet than the Duet if you need a laptop for all-day use. It has a full HD display as well as excellent performance and battery life for the money, thanks to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, 4GB RAM and a 64GB solid-state drive. The Lenovo Flex is not a great Chromebook choice for outdoor use, since the display is pretty dim.
If you're looking for even better performance, this Chrome OS Tablet was updated with Intel's 11th-gen Core i3 processor but still has great battery life at nearly 11 hours. Now called the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, it costs a bit more starting at $475. Lenovo also added a privacy shutter on the webcam so you can physically block it when it's not in use. It is definitely one of the best Chromebook models for the price, power and size.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
If you'd rather have a wider screen instead of a taller one like the Spin 713's (below), this HP Chromebook is the way to go. It's roughly 0.75 inch wider than a premium 13.3-inch model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two side-by-side windows. The two-in-one design means you can use the HP Chromebook x360 as a tablet (though it's a bit heavy to use as a handheld device). You can also tent it, connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
The Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory in the model we tested kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. The Chrome OS will handle typical usage seamlessly. And this Chromebook laptop has a long battery life, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET's testing. This is a higher-end configuration, though, and its regular price is $699. This laptop regularly goes on sale for less than $500, but if you like the design and don't need its more powerful components, the Pentium Silver version is a bargain at closer to $300.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Acer's Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It's a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you're working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent -- perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor.
Juan Garzon/CNET
Just as Google's Pixel phones offer the best pure Android experience, the Google Pixelbook Go is built to deliver the best of Chrome OS. The premium Chromebook starts at $839, but fully loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage and a 4K display, the total reaches a pricey $2,299. That's a lot, and more than most people need. Still, the Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent little Chromebook, especially for those who really want to explore all that Chrome can do, including Linux and Android app selections.
Read our Pixelbook Go review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
There are plenty of convertible Chromebook two-in-ones, where the screen rotates around to the back of the keyboard so you can use it as a tablet. But Chrome tablets with removable keyboards are still a rarity. That certainly helps the Chromebook x2 11 stand out, but it also deserves attention for its premium design and features. It offers long battery life and performance that rises (slightly) above the competition. The main downside is that it's expensive on its own. But in the year it's been available, both HP and Best Buy have offered significant discounts, so if you're interested make sure to wait for one of those deals.
Read our HP Chromebook x2 11 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
The 317 is essentially a portable all-in-one Chrome OS desktop, otherwise known as a Chromebase. The big display makes multitasking a breeze. You can stream a YouTube video in the corner while you work on a presentation and keep an eye on email or chat -- all without overlapping windows. It is big and heavy compared with all the smaller Chromebooks here, so it's not a great option if mobility is a priority. But it's certainly small enough to move around the house, and with more than 10 hours of battery life according to my tests, you can work all day and still have time left for a video chat with family, gaming or streaming a movie.
Read the Acer Chromebook 317 review.
How we test computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
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Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300
In terms of cost, nothing beats a Chromebook, which is all you'll need if you're a student who requires a computer for the basics or someone who just wants something to browse the internet on after work. These laptops run on Google's Chrome OS and are renowned for their portability, long battery life and affordability. While it may be tempting to splurge on a high-end Apple or Windows laptop, a Chromebook is probably all you need to get the job done.
Plenty of manufacturers make Chromebooks, including Acer, HP, Samsung and Lenovo. There are basic models that are fine for email, online shopping and streaming movies and music typically priced at $400 or less. Premium models start around $500 and get you more RAM and storage, faster processors, higher-quality displays and better build quality. You'll also find features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USI pen support for notes or drawing.
Read more: The 7 Best Chromebook Deals for Students
The Chromebooks on this list were tested and reviewed by CNET's editors. While there should be a model here to meet your needs, if there's a specific must-have spec such as an Intel Core processor, an HDMI port or SD card slot or a particular screen size, you might want to dig deeper into a specific Chromebook on this list. Also, if you're considering an older or used model, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years, but the date is not the same for every model
And if you're still not sure if this type of laptop is right for you, here's a breakdown of all that a Chromebook can and can't do compared with a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated periodically.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. This Lenovo Chromebook's small size might be a little limiting as a primary Chrome OS device, though you can connect to an external display via its USB-C port. The Lenovo Duet is, however, a good pick if you're looking for an affordable Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device that can be used in tablet mode. Its small size might be an issue, depending on what you're looking for, but the portability and the efficient Chrome OS make it worth considering. I wouldn't necessarily call it the best Chromebook on the market, but for the cost and convenience, it's not one to count out too quickly. An updated version, the Duet 3 Chromebook, came out in May. It features an 11-inch 2K-resolution touchscreen, faster Qualcomm processors, an improved keyboard (still included) and, unfortunately, a higher starting price of $400.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
This Lenovo 13-inch Chromebook two-in-one is a better bet than the Duet if you need a laptop for all-day use. It has a full HD display as well as excellent performance and battery life for the money, thanks to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, 4GB RAM and a 64GB solid-state drive. The Lenovo Flex is not a great Chromebook choice for outdoor use, since the display is pretty dim.
If you're looking for even better performance, this Chrome OS Tablet was updated with Intel's 11th-gen Core i3 processor but still has great battery life at nearly 11 hours. Now called the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, it costs a bit more starting at $475. Lenovo also added a privacy shutter on the webcam so you can physically block it when it's not in use. It is definitely one of the best Chromebook models for the price, power and size.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
If you'd rather have a wider screen instead of a taller one like the Spin 713's (below), this HP Chromebook is the way to go. It's roughly 0.75 inch wider than a premium 13.3-inch model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two side-by-side windows. The two-in-one design means you can use the HP Chromebook x360 as a tablet (though it's a bit heavy to use as a handheld device). You can also tent it, connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
The Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory in the model we tested kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. The Chrome OS will handle typical usage seamlessly. And this Chromebook laptop has a long battery life, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET's testing. This is a higher-end configuration, though, and its regular price is $699. This laptop regularly goes on sale for less than $500, but if you like the design and don't need its more powerful components, the Pentium Silver version is a bargain at closer to $300.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Acer's Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It's a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you're working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent -- perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor.
Juan Garzon/CNET
Just as Google's Pixel phones offer the best pure Android experience, the Google Pixelbook Go is built to deliver the best of Chrome OS. The premium Chromebook starts at $839, but fully loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage and a 4K display, the total reaches a pricey $2,299. That's a lot, and more than most people need. Still, the Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent little Chromebook, especially for those who really want to explore all that Chrome can do, including Linux and Android app selections.
Read our Pixelbook Go review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
There are plenty of convertible Chromebook two-in-ones, where the screen rotates around to the back of the keyboard so you can use it as a tablet. But Chrome tablets with removable keyboards are still a rarity. That certainly helps the Chromebook x2 11 stand out, but it also deserves attention for its premium design and features. It offers long battery life and performance that rises (slightly) above the competition. The main downside is that it's expensive on its own. But in the year it's been available, both HP and Best Buy have offered significant discounts, so if you're interested make sure to wait for one of those deals.
Read our HP Chromebook x2 11 review.
Josh Goldman/CNET
The 317 is essentially a portable all-in-one Chrome OS desktop, otherwise known as a Chromebase. The big display makes multitasking a breeze. You can stream a YouTube video in the corner while you work on a presentation and keep an eye on email or chat -- all without overlapping windows. It is big and heavy compared with all the smaller Chromebooks here, so it's not a great option if mobility is a priority. But it's certainly small enough to move around the house, and with more than 10 hours of battery life according to my tests, you can work all day and still have time left for a video chat with family, gaming or streaming a movie.
Read the Acer Chromebook 317 review.
How we test computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
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Best Budget Laptop Under $500 for 2022
Best Budget Laptop Under $500 for 2022
Shopping for a new laptop can be a little intimidating with the vast range of models out there. You can't tell the difference between an expensive and an affordable laptop by looks alone, and their performance and functionality can vary greatly. However, such a huge market also means that you can find plenty of high-quality laptops at an affordable price, with plenty of great models starting at less than $500. In fact, it might even be worth it to grab one for yourself as an extra device for work or for games.
If you're searching for a laptop under $500, here are the best budget laptops you can buy right now. If you're not sure what to look for in a good budget laptop -- other than price -- jump to our buying advice right below our recommendations. This advice is based on our years of testing and review experience to figure out what to expect from a laptop priced under $500. It will also let you know what to look for if you want to continue your budget laptop hunt on your own.
Use these picks to sort through the competition. Because there are a lot of cheap laptops that aren't worth it, try not to make rash decisions when buying.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Gateway was best known for low-cost desktops and laptops back in the '90s. In 2020, the brand was revived for a new lineup of laptops and tablets sold exclusively through Walmart. Those models were recently updated with 11th-gen Intel processors and we tested both 15.6- and 14.1-inch models. The latter gets our vote as an inexpensive option for getting school work done while still being light enough to carry around campus for the day.
The attention-grabber is the Intel Core i5 processor that provides reliable performance, despite being paired with cheaper components. The keyboard is comfortable, but not backlit, and the touchpad isn't the most precise. Also, the built-in fingerprint reader is hit-or-miss. Still, it has lots of ports so connecting a mouse or an external display isn't an issue and the full-HD display is decent too, all things considered. Plus, the battery lasted a couple minutes shy of 10 hours on our streaming video test.
Sarah Tew/CNET
This Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet is essentially a Chrome version of the first Microsoft Surface Go. Like the Go, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad-- making it a compact touch screen laptop. Unlike Microsoft, though, Lenovo includes the keyboard. The Lenovo Duet is essentially a smaller, albeit less powerful, Pixel Slate that makes more sense for more people with a cheap laptop price that's more in line with what people expect a Chromebook to cost.
The Chromebook Duet screen is small, however, so if you're regularly using it at a desk, we recommend attaching an external monitor to its USB-C port. You'll probably want to connect a wireless keyboard and mouse, too.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The Acer Aspire 5 15-inch clamshell continues to be one of the best laptop deals available. This sub-4-pound Windows laptop includes an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor, 4GB of memory and a speedy 128GB SSD. This budget laptop also features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-C port, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, Ethernet and an HDMI port.
The Acer Aspire even has a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for quick sign-ins -- rarities at this price. The 4GB RAM and 128GB solid-state drive storage don't allow you to have many programs or lots of browser tabs open simultaneously but you can add more of both down the road.
Asus
Amazon currently offers an older Core i3 8GB model for under $450, a reasonable price for a Windows laptop with an Intel Core processor. You'll also see listings with 4GB RAM, but that's way too little memory for Windows, which barely gets by on 8GB. Don't confuse it with the thinner, lighter, more expensive Asus VivoBook S15.
Lenovo
The Windows version of the Flex two-in-one has the beefed up specs (at least over a Chromebook) necessary to run Windows, though probably not very fast -- the dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM are the reasons the price is low. But it has a bigger full HD screen than the Chromebook model.
Are laptops under $500 any good?
As a rule of thumb, resist buying out of desperation -- don't spend $500 because you can't find a cheaper laptop deal available, for example. Buying a need-it-now laptop can be like shopping for food while hungry. Even for a laptop, $500 can be a lot of money, and you'll likely be holding onto it for at least three years, if the statistics Intel and PC manufacturers hurl at us are correct.
You can also try to make your current laptop last a little longer. If you need something to tide you over for a few months, dig into possible places to buy refurbished machines and explore nonprofit or educational discounts if you're eligible. Also, if there's something you really want in a laptop, like a touchscreen, a backlit keyboard, DDR4 RAM, an HD webcam, Intel UHD Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega Graphics or an HDMI port, check the manufacturer's specs closely to make sure it has it. You'll regret it if you don't.
If you suspect you'll be holding onto your new laptop for a while, see if you can stretch your budget to buy a slightly more expensive laptop to accommodate more than 8GB of RAM or a processor with more cores than you were otherwise considering. If you haven't thought about it, look at AMD Ryzen processors as alternatives to Intel Core for Windows laptops or alternatives to Intel Celeron and Pentium for Chromebooks.
Even better, if you're comfortable with it, think about an affordable laptop with a replaceable battery (if you can find one), upgradable memory, graphics card and storage, or all of the above. Furthermore, while you might be working remotely now, you won't be stuck at home forever. Remember to consider whether having a lighter, thinner laptop or a touchscreen laptop with a good battery life will be important to you in the future.
Read more: Best Monitors Under $200 You Can Get Right Now
You can always add an external drive or two (or five, if you're me) at some point down the road. But if your internal storage is the type of slow-spinning hard drive that comes in a lot of cheap laptop models, fast external storage is unlikely to help speed up loading Windows or applications. You can frequently set a system to boot from an external solid-state drive if necessary.
You may see references to Intel Optane in conjunction with slow (5,400rpm) spinning hard drives; Optane is fast solid-state memory that acts as a temporary storage space for frequently accessed files on the hard drive to speed things up. It helps, but not as much as an SSD drive.
And finally, if you're replacing an old Windows laptop that's not up to running Windows anymore, consider turning it into a Chromebook.
What are the trade-offs on laptops under $500?
As long as you manage your expectations when it comes to options and specs, you can still get quite a bit from a budget laptop model, including good battery life and a reasonably lightweight laptop body.
A bright spot is you don't have to settle for a traditional clamshell laptop with a fixed display and keyboard. You can also get a convertible laptop (aka a two-in-one), which has a screen that flips around to turn the screen into a tablet, to position it for comfortable streaming or to do a presentation. Keep in mind that all convertibles work as both laptops and tablets. A touchscreen is a prerequisite for tablet operation, and many support styluses (aka pens) for handwritten and sketched input. Don't assume a stylus is included, though.
One thing you won't find at these cheap laptop prices: a MacBook or any other Apple laptop. An iPad will run you more than $500 once you buy the optional keyboard (though it might work out to less if you look for sales on the tablet or keyboard), which is above our budget here. A base-model iPad with an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard and cheap stand for the iPad might suffice.
You'll see a lot of cheap laptops listed as coming with Windows 10 S, a stripped-down and locked-down version of the operating system intended for use by schools -- it only allows you to install applications from the Windows Store, forces you to use Microsoft's Edge browser and includes a subset of the administrative tools in Windows 10 Pro. You can upgrade to the full version for free, though.
It doesn't feel like there's much to make the new Windows 11 a must-have upgrade, but if it's going to be important to you for some reason, be careful about checking that the laptop will meet the requirements. These inexpensive models can be especially at risk of not making the cut.
It's easier to find inexpensive Chromebooks than Windows laptops, making them one of the most popular budget laptops on the market, though we're also seeing a lot more Chromebooks in the $500-to-$1,000 range. That's because Google's Chrome OS isn't nearly as power-hungry as Windows (check the specs), so you can get by with a lower-end processor, slower storage and less screen resolution or RAM -- just a few of the components that make a laptop expensive.
But the flip side is Chrome and Google apps are more of a memory hog than you'd expect, and if you go too low with the processor or skimp on memory, the system will still feel slow. Chrome OS is also a much different experience than Windows; make sure the applications you need have a Chrome app, Android app or Linux app before making the leap.
Since Chromebooks are cloud-first devices, however, you don't need a lot of storage built-in. That also means if you spend most of your time roaming the web, writing, streaming video or playing Android games, they're a good fit. If you hope to play Android games, make sure you get a touchscreen Chromebook.
For a cheap gaming laptop, though, you'll still have to break the $500 ceiling to support most games. The least expensive budget laptops suitable for a solid gaming performance experience -- those with moderately powerful discrete graphics processors -- will run you closer to $700. Here are our recommendations if you're looking for the best gaming laptop under $1,000.
Although, if you like to live on the bleeding edge, cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia and Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's Game Streaming will let you play games on laptops with specs that hit the under-$500 mark.
What to look for in laptops under $500
While Chromebooks can run Chrome OS-specific and Android apps, some people need the full Windows OS to run heftier applications, such as video-editing suites. If you want a good video editing laptop, the HP Chromebook with Intel Celeron processors provides 5.4 times high-resolution video editing than the basic HP laptop. With that comes a need for a faster processor with more cores, more memory -- 8GB RAM is the bare minimum -- and more storage for applications and the operating system itself. A lot of these have 4GB or 6GB, which, in conjunction with a spinning hard disk, can make for a frustratingly slow Windows laptop experience. But demands on Chromebooks are growing, so if your Chrome needs to run beyond the basics you should think about paying more for more memory and a faster processor.
A lot of Windows laptops in this range use AMD Athlon and lower-end A series or Intel Celeron and Pentium processors to hit the lower price. I don't really recommend going with an Athlon instead of a Ryzen or a Celeron/Pentium instead of a Core: Windows is too heavy for them, and in conjunction with the 4GB memory a lot of them have, you may find them abysmally slow at best.
Because of their low prices, 11.6-inch Chromebooks are attractive. Samsung Chromebook has a fantastic screen and nearly 10 hours of battery life. But we don't recommend that size for any but the youngest students. And if you're both going to be looking at the screen frequently for remote learning, 11 inches can get really cramped.
SSDs can make a big difference in how fast Windows performance feels compared with a spinning hard disk, but they also push the price up. So if your budget can stretch a little and you want more storage, you may want to consider stepping up from base storage options to a 128GB SSD.
In the budget price range, you have to watch out for screen terminology when it comes to specs: An "HD" screen may not always be a truly high-definition screen. HD, which has a resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels, is called "Full HD" so marketers can refer to lesser-resolution displays (1,280x720 pixels) as HD. In Chromebooks, HD usually refers to a screen with a resolution of 1,366x768 pixels. On the upside, the boom in 14-inch laptops trickles down to this price range, which allows for more FHD options in the size.
A frequent complaint I see is about "washed-out" looking displays with poor viewing angles. Unfortunately, that's one of the trade-offs: A lot of these use TN (twisted nematic) screen technology, which is cheap but meh.
Pay attention to networking. Inexpensive models with older chipsets may only support Wi-Fi 3 (or 802.11b/g/n). Wi-Fi 3 is limited to 2.4GHz channels; those are slower than more recent chipsets with Wi-Fi 4 (aka 802.11ac) that add a 5GHz channel as well. I haven't seen any laptops in this price range with Wi-Fi 6, the newest version; chances are you won't have any Wi-Fi 6 access points to connect to, though, so you likely won't miss it now. The specifications aren't always correct on the shopping sites, so if you see a model that doesn't seem to have Wi-Fi 4, double-check on the manufacturer's site before ruling it out. Remember, Chromebooks are designed to work predominantly over the internet, so Wi-Fi speed and stability are crucial.
Considering all specs and options -- battery life, storage space, screen resolution, screen size, core processor performance, general machine and battery performance -- you'll find some of our top picks for 2022's best Windows laptops and Chromebooks under the $500 budget in the list above, along with their pros and cons.
How we test computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
